Bipartisan Legislation Win-Win for Farmers, the Economy, and the Environment
August 16, 2021 - WASHINGTON, D.C - Last week, Congressman Jim Costa (AC-16) and the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which aims to remove barriers for farmers, ranchers, and 
forest landowners to participate in the voluntary carbon credit marketplace. As producers look to reduce their environmental footprint, they often look to the carbon credit marketplace to offset their emissions.
“California farmers, foresters, and ranchers continue to be directly impacted by the effects of climate change,” said Rep. Costa. “This bipartisan and bicameral bill eliminates barriers to participate in voluntary carbon markets and incentivize sustainable farming practices. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to finish this effort.”
The legislation creates a program in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to voluntarily connect landowners to certified technical assistance providers to solve technical entry barriers and increase access to carbon credit markets. This program will make it easier for landowners to implement climate-smart practices and monetize the adoption of conservation and sustainable land use activities, all while helping to meet the growing demand for carbon credits.
The Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820/ S. 1251) is supported by more than 75 agriculture, food, forestry, and environmental groups. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a win-win for America’s farmers, the economy, and the environment.
“This innovative bipartisan legislation will incentivize our farmers and ranchers to reduce their environmental footprint, and I'm proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus has come together to endorse this initiative,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “After all, protecting our environment should be something that everyone, Democrats and Republicans, can come together around.”
“We can reduce carbon emissions while promoting conservation and agricultural sustainability,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act is a great example of Republicans and Democrats coming together to create bipartisan solutions to our nation’s immediate challenges.”
“As Chair of the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, I know that farmers can play a key role in pushing back against the effects of climate change. America’s crop and livestock producers are increasingly engaging in voluntary conservation practices that both protect our soil and benefit their bottom lines. To help them expand these operations, our Growing Climate Solutions Act takes commonsense steps to give farmers the support and technical assistance they deserve,” said Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07). “I am proud that our bill has the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus, particularly because our legislation represents the progress that can be achieved when we work to find common ground in the battle against the climate crisis. Our bill has broad support from America’s farm groups, environmental organizations, and Fortune 500 companies — and it represents a major step forward for our nation’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors as we tackle the ecological challenges of the future.”
“This bipartisan bill will benefit farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in both Nebraska and across the US by helping them navigate and participate in carbon credit markets,” said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02). “This will in turn reduce global greenhouse emissions and shape climate policy to include sustainable agricultural practices that have both the consumer and environment in mind. Our Ag community takes pride in being good environmental stewards and leaders. To help them achieve this, they need access to reliable information about markets, technical assistance barriers, and credit protocol verifiers that give landowners the confidence and knowledge they need to benefit from the practices of sustainable agriculture, while feeding the globe and regenerating our lands and waters.”
“The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act is common-sense legislation that recognizes the important role of America’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters in our nation’s climate leadership,” said Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus to endorse this important bill, which would expand opportunities for our nation’s agricultural sector to participate in the green economy while expanding yields and increasing profits.”
“I’m glad to join the Problem Solvers Caucus in endorsing the Growing Climate Solutions Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that I was proud to introduce alongside Rep. Spanberger and Rep. Bacon,” said Rep. John Katko (NY-24). “This bill, which has received broad support from the agricultural community, expands the ability of farmers to participate in carbon markets and incentives to reduce emissions. Critically, this consensus-driven approach provides necessary technical assistance to farmers and a voluntary pathway to help address the environmental and climate challenges facing our nation.”
Problem Solvers, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) brought the bill for endorsement, which garnered the support of more than 75 percent of the Caucus. The bill is co-sponsored by fellow Caucus Members, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), John Curtis (UT-03), Elaine Luria (VA-02), John Katko (NY-24), Jim Costa (CA-16), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Lou Correa (CA-46), Tom Rice (SC-07), Conor Lamb (PA-17), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), Scott Peters (CA-52), Ed Case (HI-03), and Josh Harder (CA-10).
Source: Congressman Jim Costa
